LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE KILKENNY CLIENTS AT GLOBAL SHOWCASE

There are two Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny clients taking part in the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2019. The trade event gives small designers and craftspeople the unique opportunity to meet over 5,000 buyers from all over the world opening new doors for them to global markets. 

 

The Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2019 takes place at the RDS in Dublin from the 20th to 23rd January 2019 and will feature over 80 Local Enterprise Office clients from all across the country. 

 

Over 80 Local Enterprise Office clients will exhibit their products at the event and this will include Local Enterprise Kilkenny clients K K Kajoux Jewels and Sandra Hartwieg. K Kajoux is a handmade jewellery company was set up by Kay Lyng based in Urlingford, Co Kilkenny. All the pieces are designed and hand crafted by Kay using a kaleidoscope of semi- precious stones, Swarovski crystals and Freshwater pearls. The original designs are playful and feminine and come from a myriad of influences.Sandra Hartwieg produces Contemporary handcrafted jewellery using traditional goldsmithing skills, designed and made in her workshop in Kilkenny. 

 

Showcase gives Local Enterprise Office clients from every corner of the country, who are primarily from the design and craft sector, the chance to exhibit at the event, which hosts 5,000 buyers from over 20 different countries.  Taking place from the 20th – 23rd January, Showcase is presented by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny is also supporting a number of other businesses in the main arena of Showcase including The Conker Tree, Cushendale Woolen Mills, Jerpoint Glass and Fred o’Mahony Woodturning.

 

Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise said; “Local Enterprise Showcase is potentially a business changing opportunity for these Local Enterprise Office clients.  They have the chance to meet with buyers specific to their market from countries all over the world opening doors to new export opportunities that they simply would not get anywhere else. 

 

“Each of these clients has worked closely with their Local Enterprise Office to ensure they are in the best possible position to sell their products to national and international buyers.  This event shows the value of partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland partnering to give these wonderfully talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to bring their products to the world stage.”

 

Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, said: “The work of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices is invaluable to micro and small enterprises exhibiting at Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo, mentoring and supporting them in launching their latest innovative products at the trade fair. We are delighted to partner with the Local Enterprise Offices in highlighting the wealth of talent amongst emerging creative businesses across the country, and in supporting their commercial potential through the Local Enterprise Showcase. This dedicated area of the show plays a critical role in connecting up-and-coming Irish entrepreneurs with international trade buyers, enabling them to develop their business and expand their client base.”

 

The Local Enterprise Showcase is housed on the balcony area of the RDS Main Hall during Showcase and is open to trade buyers from all over the world from Sunday 20th January to Wednesday 23rd January. 

 

Further details on the supports available to small design and crafts businesses in County Kilkenny  are available from www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Kilkenny or by contacting Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny at 056-7752662. For more information on Showcase 2019 log on to www.showcaseireland.com  

 Showcase Kay Lyng